Council pledges more support for young carers
Dorset Council is strengthening the help it gives to young carers. Firstly, the council wants to identify all young carers in the county and assess the impact of caring has on the child.
New 50mph speed limit at Badbury Rings
To improve safety for all road users, a reduced speed limit of 50mph will be introduced on the B3082 at Badbury Rings.
Dorset Road Fix – surface dressing from 26 June
Work continues to prolong the life of our roads. Later this June, the areas listed below will receive surface dressing.
Last call for funding round to help communities thrive
It’s not too late to apply for grants of up to £5000 for a project that brings communities across Dorset together. If you’re looking for funding to extend or add value to an existing project or event, or want to kickstart a new initiative that will make a difference for people in your community, time is running out… Read more Last call for funding round to help communities thrive
Night time repairs at Durweston Bridge
A Grade 2 Listed bridge on a busy road in north Dorset will be repaired this June.
Chesil Youth Pride 2023 – celebrating Dorset’s LGBTQI+ young people
On Saturday 17 June, the first ever Chesil Youth Pride took place – hosted by Dorset Council, Weymouth College, Space Youth Project, The Drop-In (Portland) and Dorset Police. Chesil Youth Pride 2023 started with a stall holder event at Weymouth College, followed by a group parade along Weymouth Esplanade for those who wished to take… Read more Chesil Youth Pride 2023 – celebrating Dorset’s LGBTQI+ young people
Farming in Protected Landscapes programme celebrates success
More than 5,000 farmers and land managers have now benefited from the Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) programme, new figures have shown.
Record numbers of affordable homes created for Dorset residents last year
Record numbers of affordable homes have been built for Dorset residents in the last financial year as we respond to the huge need for affordable housing.
Are you ready to read this summer?
Children aged 4-11 have an opportunity to get involved in this year’s Summer Reading Challenge! This year’s challenge, brought to you by Dorset Council’s library service, is starting on the 1 July 2023.
Dorset company set to make waves in the world of nuclear medicine and cancer treatment
A Dorset company is pioneering a new technology that looks set to revolutionise cancer diagnosis and treatment. Dr Tom Wallace-Smith from Poole and Canada-based Talmon Firestone are the brains behind Astral Systems – the newest company to land on the Dorset Innovation Park in Winfrith. And with their patented Multi-State Fusion (MSF) Reactor they are… Read more Dorset company set to make waves in the world of nuclear medicine and cancer treatment
Have your say on dogs consultation
A consultation has started by Dorset Council on a new Dog-related Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO).
Award-winning children’s author visits Portland to encourage library membership
Last Friday (16 June), Waterstones Children’s Laureate (2022-2024) Joseph Coelho, visited Dorset Council’s Tophill library on Portland, as part of his nationwide ‘Library Marathon’ tour.
Flying The Flag for Armed Forces Day 2023
There will be an Armed Forces Flag Raising Ceremony at County Hall, Dorchester, on Monday 19 June at 10am. The annual ceremony is an opportunity to honour service men and women, past and present and show our respect and celebrate all that the forces do to defend the nation at home and abroad. In attendance… Read more Flying The Flag for Armed Forces Day 2023
Our position on Home Office proposal for barge
We are aware of the Home Secretary’s announcement this afternoon, 5 April 2023, confirming that the Home Office wishes to proceed with its plans to house asylum seekers in floating accommodation at Portland Port.
Calling all parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities
Parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (aged between 0 and 25 years old) are being asked to complete a survey to find out their experiences of education, health and care services and support over the last 12 months. The results of the survey will help to decide… Read more Calling all parents and carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities
Free bikes for children’s cycle training
Not having your own bike doesn’t need to be a barrier to learning to cycle for Dorset youngsters, thanks to 20 bicycles gifted to Dorset Council.
Position statement on asylum seeker barge
In late March this year, Dorset Council was made aware of discussions between Portland Port and the Home Office to site an accommodation barge for asylum seekers in Portland Port.
Multi-million pound savings protect frontline council services for residents
A total saving of £96 million has been achieved since Dorset Council was created in 2019 through Local Government Reorganisation, which brought together 5 former district and borough councils and the county council into one new unitary council. The savings were achieved by bringing together similar services, reducing duplication and costs, increasing efficiency, and reducing… Read more Multi-million pound savings protect frontline council services for residents
Dorset Council publishes SEND impact report highlighting success and challenges
Children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families have benefited from the work of Dorset Council and its co-production partners over the past year, but they have also faced some challenges. The achievements of the work of Dorset Council, NHS Dorset and Dorset Parent Carer Council (DPCC) are available… Read more Dorset Council publishes SEND impact report highlighting success and challenges
Mohuns Great Bridge
Following recent comments in the press and on social media, we want to provide clarity regarding the repairs we are carrying out to Mohuns Great Bridge, a Grade 2 listed structure spanning the River Frome on the outskirts of Dorchester.
Helping One Another event – supporting National Volunteering Week
To celebrate National Volunteering Week, The Dorset Local Resilience Forum, Dorset Prepared, put on a showcase event at the RNLI College in Poole. On Tuesday 6 June, Colin Weston MBE JP, High Sheriff of Dorset, welcomed representatives from local and national organisations to showcase how emergency and response services work together for the safety of… Read more Helping One Another event – supporting National Volunteering Week
Dorset Road Fix – surface dressing from 12 June
Work continues to prolong the life of our roads. Later this June, the areas listed below will receive surface dressing.
Our legal position regarding the asylum seeker barge
“After much careful consideration, Dorset Council has decided to not pursue legal action to challenge the Home Office’s decision to site a barge for asylum seekers in Portland Port. Based on specialist legal advice, and the experience other councils have had across the country, any legal action we take is unlikely to be successful and… Read more Our legal position regarding the asylum seeker barge
Get your skates on and make a difference to young people’s lives
Organisations that work with Dorset’s young people are being urged to get their skates on and bid for funding that could help transform lives. They have until 14 June to get on board and be in with a chance of securing funding from Dorset Council. The Dorset Youth Fund helps groups and clubs make a… Read more Get your skates on and make a difference to young people’s lives
Casualties of the heathland fire at Stephens Castle
Dorset is currently in an amber wildfire alert, yet a fire was started at Stephens Castle, Verwood on Wednesday, which devastated 4.7 hectares of rare lowland heath.
Bridgit opens digital door to support for people caring for others
People who regularly look after a family member or friend can now explore resources to support them online and, during Carers Week, can join a free, guided experience to see how it works. Bridgit, to be launched during Carers Week, is an online tool that allows people to explore free wellbeing, employment, finance and care… Read more Bridgit opens digital door to support for people caring for others
Statement from Cllr Laura Beddow re Portland Port barge
Cllr Laura Beddow, Dorset Council Portfolio Holder for Culture and Communities said: “Dorset Council continues to work with other statutory agencies and partners including the Home Office, Dorset Police, Health, Weymouth and Portland Town Councils and Portland Port. The situation is complex, but we are jointly preparing for the arrival of the barge in Portland.… Read more Statement from Cllr Laura Beddow re Portland Port barge
Round 4 of the Household Support Fund reopens for applications
Round 4 of the Household Support Fund (HSF) will reopen for applications at 10am on Tuesday 6 June 2023 for low-income households in the Dorset Council area. The support will be in the form of supermarket vouchers. Citizens Advice will be allocating this fund on behalf of Dorset Council and vouchers will be issued to… Read more Round 4 of the Household Support Fund reopens for applications
National recognition for empty home renovation
Bringing an empty home back to life has scooped a prestigious national innovation award for Dorset Council. By funding the renovation, The Housing Standards Team were recognised for helping to restore the property to its former glory at this year’s Empty Homes Network conference.
Let’s celebrate Dorset Day!
The 1st June marks Dorset Day, an opportunity to celebrate Dorset’s rich heritage and beautiful scenery. Today, Dorset Council will be raising the familiar yellow, red and white County Civic Flag.
